Sue and Bruce Mitchell
Luckily, I have been able to check off many items from my bucket list of travel destinations.
So, what to do next? Why not start another list? When you think about travel, don’t just think about where you want to go. Instead, think about what you want to see. More importantly, consider what you want to experience.
Recently, I have been reading more about travel experiences then about travel destinations. For example, when you choose to experience one of the fastest growing travel markets, river cruising, you are given the opportunity to visit world United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage sites. More cruise lines are offering destination intensive itineraries, with overnight stays in some cities, giving you more time to explore these sites.
This past December, on a Viking Ocean Cruise of the Mediterranean, one of our stops was Naples, Italy. Because we had previously visited Naples, one of our bucket list items was to experience a pizza from, supposedly, the originator of this epicurean delight. So, our quest was to find a local restaurant serving Napoli Pizza.
It wasn’t hard to find, as many restaurants had pizza as a menu item. However, as we started our search, we passed by one with locals drinking coffee and engaging in a hearty conversation, while also sharing a pizza. It was advertised as the original Napoli Pizza. So, we decided to return to that restaurant. The men still were engaged in conversation. Not surprisingly, they still were nibbling on the pizza, too.
We found there was a set price for a pie and beverage. We upgraded our beverage choice to the local beer, Peroni, and enjoyed the best margherita pizza I have ever had. The total cost was 8 euros (about $8). Although this was one of the items on my new bucket list, if I ever return to Naples, I surely will experience that pizza again.
As mentioned in a previous article, we traveled on the Rhine River before Christmas and experienced several Christmas markets at or near UNESCO sites. The same cities also offer cultural activities during the summer months.
Another experience crossed off my bucket list occurred in Venice, Italy. After arriving at the Marco Polo Airport, we were met at the airport’s arrival hall and transported by a private Chris-Craft water taxi to our waterfront hotel. Sitting in the back, we felt like George and Amal Clooney as they sped down the canal after their wedding.
Not only was it a beautiful ride past several canals, but, upon our arrival at our hotel, we also were greeted by wine and escorted to our Grand Canal view room. The beautiful room is perfect for an anniversary, a honeymoon or a special occasion destination.
Our next experience was very moving. As we arrived in Monte Carlo, instead of going to Monaco, we traveled to Nice, France. What a beautiful city. A casual stroll along the waterfront near the Promenade truly was memorable. We watched locals fishing, and we sat on benches watching the waves.
So, next time you want to plan a vacation, think of experiences over destinations.
With more than 30 years of travel experience, I would love to help you plan your next bucket list experience.
Contact Sue or Bruce Mitchell, your Cruise Planners travel specialists, with any questions about travel. Visit our website at redmountaintravel.com. You also can send an email to smitchell@cruiseplanners.com, or call (480) 396-8084.